It Could be Worse

Well, I finally made it somewhere--I'm in Santa Barbara! Home of Graham's folks. Home to Turkey Vultures and soft breezes and clear highways. It's an interesting place, this Santa Barbara. As I was in the backseat of Graham's mother's car, listening to the murmuring talk in the front seat, and watching the incredible sunny weather and palm trees fly by, it occured to me, nay, SHOCKED me that I was liking the Southern California landscape. I'm not a big fan of Southern California normally. The beautiful weather aside, I can't get beyond the overload of highways and the strip malls. Also, I like texture and weather in a climate. I am not one of those who goes for 70 degree weather 24/7.

But today, it hit me why it is so good to go away from your home state. When you visit some place, you are able to see and appreciate THE VERY BEST that a place has to offer. I could love the t-shirt weather today. I could also almost PASS OUT with bliis at the BEAUTIFUL, RIPE avocados i had on my omelette. After five months in New York, it all seemed EXOTIC.

I have to tell you that even though I am struggling, I am so glad not to be in New York, where the subways and buses are shut down. Since graham and I live FAR OUT in Brooklyn, the transportation issue might have DONE ME IN. Being trapped in a crummy neighborhood, with neighbors that have mistaken violent yelling for attempts at emotional intimacy, would have maybe brought me to a similar state that I am in now--without the lovely weather and the good company to distract me. So there you have it--the FREAKN SILVER LINING. It ALWAYS could be worse, and yes, in this case, it could. So I am thankful for mobility, for good company, for avocados, and for seeing the best in circumstances.